Flex or Cyclo? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GSTRYDR · 08-31-2013, 12:46 PM

I am looking to buy a polisher with the special going on this Labor day weekend. I have never used one before, but have researched and watched a few videos and I am certain I can handle it. I have narrowed it down to the Flex and the Cyclo. They are close in price, and both seem to be very highly rated machines. I want some opinions from the more knowledgable of you. Which would you buy if you were in my shoes? Thanks

joeybsyc · 08-31-2013, 01:02 PM

I have the Flex and would recommend it. Seems to me that it does everything I need it to, and the cyclo seems sorta cumbersome with 2 heads side by side... Can't say I've actually tried one though, but know my Flex does it all.

SSMickey · 08-31-2013, 02:04 PM

I would get the Flex. I have never used the Cyclo, but it seems to me to be a dressed up PC. Yes, you can get into smaller areas with the Cyclo, but there are 4in backing plates for the Flex, so you can now get into the same smaller areas and still have the correcting power of the Flex.

Ject · 08-31-2013, 02:06 PM

Haven't used the cyclo so I can not attest to what it does and how it feels.
I do own the Flex and think it does an amazing job!

mgaspari · 08-31-2013, 02:37 PM

save some money and get a griots orbital polisher or PorterCable..It will certainly get the job done.

ec1990 · 08-31-2013, 02:44 PM

The Flex can be a great choice just understand that it's a forced rotation machine and is very powerful. It's not like the Porter Cable where you can stop it from rotating with too much pressure, also the Flex doesn't take a liking from the reviews I've seen to microfiber pads. Other than that it's a great machine.

joeybsyc · 08-31-2013, 02:47 PM

I use microfiber pads on my Flex and they work great. Don't believe everything you read.

ec1990 · 08-31-2013, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeybsyc

I use microfiber pads on my Flex and they work great. Don't believe everything you read.

They don't gum up and get clogged with polish? How many do you have to use per step?

joeybsyc · 08-31-2013, 03:57 PM

No, I clean them out with a brush after each panel, but can do the whole car with one pad for each step, maybe 2 if the paint is in exceptionally bad condition to start. If they're gumming up on you you're using way too much product.

mliebs · 08-31-2013, 05:01 PM

I have the Flex and UDM (basically the updated Porter Cable from several years ago) and the flex is quite a bit better. I looked at the Cyclo before I purchased the flex but to me the design seemed kind of chunky and I didn't want to take a chance on buying something I might regret. I use foam pads and change them out every couple of panels to keep the dirt down. If you catch a good sale you can gets pads pretty cheap. I also use pad conditioner, and pad cleaner to extend the life.

mliebs · 08-31-2013, 05:19 PM

After you start getting into detailing your car a little more you'll want to start looking into more products and other things that make a difference (other than the buffing machine). I just trashed all of my gray and black pads (I have more on order) but this is what my basic setup looks like. I have other polishes, sealants, waxes etc, but this is what you should be focused on (at least in my opinion).

Ject · 08-31-2013, 05:21 PM

Nice collection you've got there mliebs

swizlstik · 08-31-2013, 05:24 PM

I'd say the Flex.

ec1990 · 08-31-2013, 05:26 PM

I've never heard of using olive oil on a foam applicator before...

08-31-2013, 12:46 PM	#1
GSTRYDR Ghost Ryder Z Drives: 2018 Nightfall Gray ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Blenheim, SC Posts: 134	Flex or Cyclo? I am looking to buy a polisher with the special going on this Labor day weekend. I have never used one before, but have researched and watched a few videos and I am certain I can handle it. I have narrowed it down to the Flex and the Cyclo. They are close in price, and both seem to be very highly rated machines. I want some opinions from the more knowledgable of you. Which would you buy if you were in my shoes? Thanks

08-31-2013, 01:02 PM	#2
joeybsyc Drives: 2010 Aqua Blue Metallic 2SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: PA Posts: 2,010 View My Garage	I have the Flex and would recommend it. Seems to me that it does everything I need it to, and the cyclo seems sorta cumbersome with 2 heads side by side... Can't say I've actually tried one though, but know my Flex does it all. __________________

08-31-2013, 02:04 PM	#3
SSMickey Drives: 2010 IBM 2SS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Columbia S.C. Posts: 1,455 View My Garage	I would get the Flex. I have never used the Cyclo, but it seems to me to be a dressed up PC. Yes, you can get into smaller areas with the Cyclo, but there are 4in backing plates for the Flex, so you can now get into the same smaller areas and still have the correcting power of the Flex. __________________ ProCharger P1X, Vengeance Racing Kaotic Cam, ARH Headers and Exhaust with Borla ATAK mufflers, MGW Shifter, MTI Drop Springs, Forgeline RB3C Wheels, 3.91 gears, Night Owl LED Control System

08-31-2013, 02:06 PM	#4
Ject aka Patrick Drives: '10 Camaro 2SS '04 Silverado Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Derby Kansas Posts: 3,072	Haven't used the cyclo so I can not attest to what it does and how it feels. I do own the Flex and think it does an amazing job! __________________ Current Modifications: Your average Bolt-ons & Suspension Upgrades GForce Engineering: 9" Rear End, Strange Pro Iron Case w/Moser Nodular 3.70:1 Detroit locker, 3.5" Solid Drive Shaft

08-31-2013, 02:37 PM	#5
mgaspari Drives: Camaro rs 2lt IBM Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 919	save some money and get a griots orbital polisher or PorterCable..It will certainly get the job done. __________________ BUILD THREAD:http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285724

08-31-2013, 02:44 PM	#6
ec1990 Drives: 2012 AGM SS Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,407	The Flex can be a great choice just understand that it's a forced rotation machine and is very powerful. It's not like the Porter Cable where you can stop it from rotating with too much pressure, also the Flex doesn't take a liking from the reviews I've seen to microfiber pads. Other than that it's a great machine. __________________ Check out my blog for product reviews on detailing products!

08-31-2013, 02:47 PM	#7
joeybsyc Drives: 2010 Aqua Blue Metallic 2SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: PA Posts: 2,010 View My Garage	I use microfiber pads on my Flex and they work great. Don't believe everything you read. __________________

08-31-2013, 03:57 PM	#9
joeybsyc Drives: 2010 Aqua Blue Metallic 2SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: PA Posts: 2,010 View My Garage	No, I clean them out with a brush after each panel, but can do the whole car with one pad for each step, maybe 2 if the paint is in exceptionally bad condition to start. If they're gumming up on you you're using way too much product. __________________

08-31-2013, 05:01 PM	#10
mliebs Drives: 2022 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Houston TX Posts: 118	I have the Flex and UDM (basically the updated Porter Cable from several years ago) and the flex is quite a bit better. I looked at the Cyclo before I purchased the flex but to me the design seemed kind of chunky and I didn't want to take a chance on buying something I might regret. I use foam pads and change them out every couple of panels to keep the dirt down. If you catch a good sale you can gets pads pretty cheap. I also use pad conditioner, and pad cleaner to extend the life.

08-31-2013, 05:19 PM	#11
mliebs Drives: 2022 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Houston TX Posts: 118	After you start getting into detailing your car a little more you'll want to start looking into more products and other things that make a difference (other than the buffing machine). I just trashed all of my gray and black pads (I have more on order) but this is what my basic setup looks like. I have other polishes, sealants, waxes etc, but this is what you should be focused on (at least in my opinion). Attached Images

08-31-2013, 05:21 PM	#12
Ject aka Patrick Drives: '10 Camaro 2SS '04 Silverado Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Derby Kansas Posts: 3,072	Nice collection you've got there mliebs __________________ Current Modifications: Your average Bolt-ons & Suspension Upgrades GForce Engineering: 9" Rear End, Strange Pro Iron Case w/Moser Nodular 3.70:1 Detroit locker, 3.5" Solid Drive Shaft

08-31-2013, 05:24 PM	#13
swizlstik Drives: 2018 Garnet ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 2,183 View My Garage	I'd say the Flex. __________________

08-31-2013, 05:26 PM	#14
ec1990 Drives: 2012 AGM SS Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,407	I've never heard of using olive oil on a foam applicator before... __________________ Check out my blog for product reviews on detailing products!